Axis Cloud Connect is an open hybrid cloud platform that — together with Axis devices — enables managed services to increase efficiency and ensure scalable, future-proof solutions.

“Axis Cloud connect is not a product, it is a platform,” said Patrik Pettersson, senior manager, future business and strategic initiatives, Axis Communications. “We wanted to offer increased cybersecurity, improved integration and the opportunity for developers in the chain to use our platform to develop and enhance solutions.”

Axis Cloud Connect is designed to offer more flexible and efficient video operations, device lifecycle management, and access to data — from anywhere, at any time, according to the company. It also enables new opportunities in security, safety, operational efficiency and business intelligence, all managed by Axis and leveraging AXIS OS and know-how in analytics, image usability and cybersecurity. Axis video management software solution enabled by cloud connect will enable easy access to live and recorded video and events from anywhere — directly in a web browser.

“With growing business insight (BI) offerings that depend on video verifications (and the growth in the safety overlay), the skillset of our dealers is going to be highly valued,” Pettersson said. “These cameras will need to be installed to code, to compliance, and properly for the environment (outdoors, dark spaced, etc.). So I see the growth in BI applications with computer vision as an accelerant in business for the systems integrators. There may be new software partners; there may even be new consultants working with the end user; but the critical skills of the dealer [or integrator] will be extremely attractive.”

This platform enables managed services where Axis takes the added responsibility to host, deliver and run these digital services to keep the system up to date and ensure availability. The platform will allow users to access services using Axis or partner solutions, all enabled by Axis Cloud Connect in combination with Axis devices. The managed services provide smooth integrations, proactive cybersecurity, consistent performance and automatic updates, according to Axis. For instance, AXIS OS ensures Axis devices and systems are always up to date for greater security in the cloud space and less downtime — resulting in less friction and peace of mind.

“Also, Axis Cloud Connect fits well into the growing interest in RMR by the dealer, not from a VSaaS angle, but rather through new managed services,” Pettersson said. “With either self-integration with their own developers into asset management/ticketing systems, or offerings off-the-shelf built solutions with Axis Cloud Connect integration. Either way, the dealer will be able to augment their RMR strategy through managed services such as device monitoring, remote updates, health monitoring and life-cycle management services by knowing the age of the deployments and proactively service the customers.”

Pettersson continued, “This will no longer be done on spreadsheets. Take for example Axis Device Manager Extend, which is a complete product by Axis, built on Axis Cloud Connect — albeit limited to Axis devices only. ... There will be other third-party offerings with emphasis on multi-vendor environments.”

By using solutions and managed services based on Axis Cloud Connect, security integrators can help their customers get great scalability and simplified onboarding, provisioning and management of Axis devices. With one-click cloud connection functionality and scanning of QR codes, Axis Cloud Connect promotes more secure and faster deployments when installing devices, as well as higher security and lower costs.